Summers surely call in for a completely different wardrobe, in terms of your shoes as well. Shoes are certainly one of the most important elements of men’s wardrobe styling. Therefore, it is very important for you to understand the various different types and styles of shoes that you can carry yourself with a cool summer vibe, without compromising your comfort. Below mentioned are all the different types of shoes for men that are perfect to be worn during the summers. Apart from that, we have also listed a few styling tips that will help you carry your summer look like a pro.
Types of Summer Shoes
- Moccasins
- Sneakers
- Slip-Ons
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Loafers
- Boat Shoes
- White Bucks
- Canvas Shoes
- Espadrilles
- Woven Leather Shoes
- Spectators
- Crocs
1. Moccasins
Moccasins usually have a really thin sole and are made with materials like suede and soft leather. They also may have elements like tassels, lintels, and fringes on them, solely for decorative purposes. Moccasins are designed to be worn barefoot, however, to increase their durability, you can go in with a pair of invisible short socks. They are one of the most comfortable shoes for everyday use.
- Recommended For: Casual, and Semi-formal Occasions
- Best paired with: Chinos, Jeans, Linen jackets, and Blazers
2. Sneakers
Summers surely call in for outdoor activities, and what could be better than a pair of sporty sneakers for your outdoor fun. Sneakers are best companions for long walks, road trips, as well as other outdoor activities. If you are picking just for summers, we would recommend you to go in with a pair of fabric sneakers and avoid leather. Also, make sure that your shoes have enough breathable material inserts.
- Recommended For: Outdoor activities, and Casual occasions
- Best paired with: Shorts and t-shirts, and Cotton pants
3. Slip-Ons
Slip-Ons also have thick rubber soles, just like sneakers, and are perfect for outdoor activities. However, these lack laces and are much lighter and sophisticated. Slip-Ons with braided or white sole provide you with the perfect summer look.
- Recommended For: Casual, and Sporty look
- Best paired with: Jeans, and Shorts
4. Sandals
Sandals are undoubtedly one of the most comfortable footwear for summers. However, it goes without saying, sandals are never to be worn with socks. If you go in for a completely casual look, pick textile sandals. However, for a more sophisticated look, you should go in with a pair of leather sandals. Sandals usually have buckle straps, to be fastened with hooks or Velcro and are highly versatile and adjustable in nature.
- Recommended For: Beach outings, and Casual outdoor activities
- Best paired with: Shorts, and Loose trousers
5. Flip flops
One of the most informal as well as comfortable pairs of summer footwear are surely flip flops. They are surely the best pick for summers, however, have their very own shortcomings. They can be used while you want to relax by the beach or wish to spend some time in your backyard. However, they are surely not meant for long walks or any kind of rigorous activities. You also cannot ride or drive wearing your slippers. Slippers are available in fabric, leather, as well as synthetic material. However, do take care that you do not pick up any pair of hard sole slippers.
- Recommended For: Leisure activities, Small walks, and Beach outings
- Best paired with: Shorts, Home casuals, and Loose bottom pants
6. Loafers
Loafers are one of the most popular summer picks and are perfect for almost all kinds of events. They come in leather as well as suede and are surely a must-have in each man’s wardrobe. Loafers do not have laces and are quite breathable. They provide you with a cool summer look and are quite versatile in nature. Some of the most popular types of loafers include tassel loafers and penny loafers.
- Recommended For: Casual occasions, Office wear, and Business casual attire
- Best paired with: Linen trousers and blazers, Shorts and polo t-shirts, and Chinos
7. Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are one of the most stylish summer shoes. These shoes were initially designed solely for boat workers, however; they made their place in the elite community pretty soon. They are one of the best picks for boardwalk trips as well as casual business meets. These shoes are commonly made with either canvas, leather, or suede and are to be worn without socks. They have a modified lacing system and are generally waterproof as well as skidproof.
- Recommended For: Casual business meets, Casual outings, and Day-to-day wear
- Best paired with: Denim, Chinos, and Shorts
8. White Bucks
These shoes are quite rare these days. However, if you plan to add something unique and stylish to your summer wardrobe, you certainly need to hunt down a pair of classic white bucks. These are quite versatile and provide you with a pure gentleman look. These usually have a thin laced system and usually have a leather sole with a white top.
- Recommended For: Casual business meets, Semi-formal events, and Casual attire
- Best paired with: Shorts, Jeans, and Suits
9. Canvas Shoes
A perfect alternative for people who like to wear athletic shoes is classic canvas shoes. These shoes come in a variety of colors, however, the most prominent ones still remain white and off-white. If you do not want a pair that would stain easily, you must go in either with a royal blue or olive-green pair of canvas shoes. These are perfect for leisurely outdoor activities and are quite comfortable for long hours of wear. This is a must-have pair of summer shoes in your wardrobe.
- Recommended For: Day-to-day wear, and Casual attire
- Best paired with: Shorts, Denim, and Chinos
10. Espadrilles
Once meant for only daily wagers, these stylish summer shoes can easily win over any other pair of summer shoes to create a distinct style symbol. These shoes are generally made with either canvas or cotton and have a jute sole. These shoes are not really comfortable, therefore, not recommended for long hours of wear or outdoor activities. These shoes tend to looser with time due to the jute sole and are solely recommended for special events.
- Recommended For: Informal, and Casual occasions
- Best paired with: Shorts, Jeans, and Suits
11. Woven Leather Shoes
Woven leather shoes are much more breathable as well as elegant than normal leather shoes. However, one thing that you may need to ensure while buying woven leather shoes is that it either uses a perforated lining as well, or a breathable fabric lining to make the shoes perfect for summers.
- Recommended For: Informal events, and Semi-formal occasions
- Best paired with: Suits, and Trousers
12. Spectators
Spectator shoes are made with two different shades of materials. The dual-tone effect of these shoes is made by generally using two different types of leather for different parts of the shoes. These shoes got named spectators as they were initially used by men for cricket and golf. They slowly became popular amongst spectators, and thus the name.
- Recommended For: Informal events, and Sports events
- Best paired with: Denim, Trousers, and Jackets
13. Crocs
One of the most comfortable, sporty looking, as well as stylish shoes are certainly crocs. These shoes are generally made with either plastic or foam and are really light in weight as well as breathable. However, the only drawback of using these shoes is that they are highly expensive and are not advisable for day-to-day use. However, for a sporty outdoor look, there is certainly nothing better than a pair of Crocs.
- Recommended For: Casual occasions, and Outdoor activities
- Best paired with: Slim-fit pants, Denim, and Shorts
Summer Shoes Styling Tips:
1. Minimize the use of Sandals and Flipflops:
There is literally nothing else that can provide your feet with better ventilation than a pair of sandals or flip-flops on a hot summer day. However, if you wish to have even the slightest bit of style statement, avoid wearing these two, except for your own home. However, flip-flops can still be carried with pride only if you are on a beach or the poolside.
2. Avoid Buying Shoes with Colorful Soles:
Summers surely call in for a huge addition of bright colors to your wardrobe. However, your shoes are surely not the ones that you may want to experiment with. Moreover, most of the quality brands do not come up with vague colors which could pull you towards them for an impulse buy, however, make you regret later. It is best to buy shoes with neutral-colored soles so that you do not impose a clown-like personality under any circumstances.
3. Try out Colorful Laces:
If you really wish to add a pop to your summer attire, you may try out colorful laces with your canvases or boat shoes. They actually help you create a unique style symbol. Moreover, they are easily replaceable and affordable enough to experiment out.
4. Look out for unique colored leathers:
Adding new colors to your wardrobe is actually really exciting during the summers. Black and brown are surely two of the most common colors when it comes to leather shoes. However, if you wish to experiment, you should also try out interesting colors like Olive Green, Beige, Tan, as well as Dark Blue in leather shoes for a lighter feel.
5. Add on Colorful Socks for a perfect Summer Look:
If you are too scared to experiment with the colors of your shoes, you can instead try out different contrasting pairs of socks to pop out your style during summers.
Summer Shoes Buying Guide:
1. Pick the Right Sized Summer Shoes:
Stuffing your feet in a pair of shoes is certainly not enough, especially when it comes to summer shoes. You really need to buy shoes that have ample space at the end of the footbed, whether it’s closed or open heel footwear. Also, keep in mind that your feet may swell a little with elongated use during summers, therefore, buy a pair that has enough movement space. A comfortable fit and ample wobble space must be the first priority while buying a pair of summer shoes.
2. Pay more heed towards Arch Support:
Most of the summer shoes have been designed to provide ample ventilation and to be lightweight. However, in this process of providing the same, most of the summer shoes might negate out proper arch support. If you are going to be using your summer shoes for long hours, make sure that they offer comfortable arch support.
3. Consider Buying shoes with a good heel:
Flat shoes actually very become very popular during the summers. However, the same may also lead to various pain and strain issues. Therefore, it is very important to pick a pair that offers ample heel support and cushioning.
4. Pick shoes that allow your skin to breathe:
If you sweat a lot, this feature is one of the most important to look out for you. Firstly, try to pick a material that is highly breathable in nature. Apart from that, also ensure that the shoes that you pick have enough patches or perforations that would help your feel remain sweat as well as odor-free during the summers.
If you follow the above-mentioned points, there is certainly no chance that you will make the wrong choice while selecting your summer shoes. We would also recommend you to experiment a bit with your summer wardrobe and not stick to the style of shoes that you have been carrying for ages. Explore the above-mentioned options and ramp up your summer collection!
Jennifer Taylor
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